New Ford Expedition Revealed

Only a few short years ago, the Ford Expedition reminded me of a dinosaur waiting for a comet to come wipe it out. However, Ford isn’t ready to give up on the full-size sport utility vehicle segment—they have big plans for their new Expedition. Ford has made some pretty big mid-generational changes to the 2015 model in order to stay competitive and keep consumers on the hook.

Thanks to the recession and high fuel costs, the once extremely popular full-size SUV class took a 27% sales hit in five years. Even prior to the recession, people started to opt for smaller crossovers instead of full-size SUVs for their fuel efficiency—and that trend moved in pretty quickly.

Ford has made huge advancements when it comes to fuel efficient large vehicles. Their F-Series trucks have pioneered the era of the high mpg truck, and now they’re looking to apply some of that skill to their SUVs.

As revealed on Wednesday at the 2014 DFW Auto Show, the Ford Expedition that will reach dealerships later this year is going to be a new kind of beast. It will feature a new fuel-efficient V6, updated interior, and revised front styling.

Most notably about the changed SUV is the fact that they’re incorporating an EcoBoost 3.5L V6 that will make more power than the 5.4L of previous year models, all while getting significantly better fuel mileage. It will also get adaptive shocks which monitor driving conditions, then adjust for a more comfortable ride. The new year model will still retain the independent rear suspension, a favorite with drivers.

Additionally, the SUV is coming with blind spot alert, a push button start, and a control panel that’s a combination of switches, dials, and voice recognition and touch screen technology.

Ford will also add a Platinum Edition to the model lineup. This trim level will be available with a choice of leathers that includes a color called “red wine”—t will also get tuxedo stripe accents, and French seat seams.

The Expedition is another smart update by Ford that consumers can actually see and touch. Ford wisely invested into a design that actually looks like major changes have been made. This new model follows the new Ford Mustang that has been redesigned and comes with new engine options, and the F-150 that’s been making headlines for the amount of aluminum incorporation in the body.

GM will also have new SUV models this year to compete with the Expedition and Expedition EL—the Chevy Tahoe & Suburban and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL are going to fight for space with the Expedition. These GM vehicles are also moving to the same platform as the 2014 Silverado and Sierra trucks.

This is just a minor revision compared to the complete change to the 2015 F-150 platform that will happen in two years. However, this current update should keep Ford loyalist looking for a SUV in the fold—think of it as a placeholder for the next generation.

The new Lincoln Navigator will get similar updates for the 2015 year model.